Thread: plum swings! a diary

Week 2 core done! I really like this one actually (madness I know). I used my 7.5 lb bell all the way through for the first time and didn't have to pause once. I did have to modify some though, keep my feet on the floor for the rows, and most of the planks on my knees. But I still feel pretty good about it!

Well done Plum - I cant take my feet off the floor for the rows either well for 2 secs maybe ha ha!

Tracey I think my lower abs are abysmal - I really need to get them stronger. I also get some lower back pain when doing it though and figure if it's good enough for the sensible blonde lady on KW to do with her heels on the floor it's good enough for me.

Originally Posted by Plumfoodie

Tracey I think my lower abs are abysmal - I really need to get them stronger. I also get some lower back pain when doing it though and figure if it's good enough for the sensible blonde lady on KW to do with her heels on the floor it's good enough for me.

My sentiments exactly Plum

Quick tip for you guys. I was hopeless at getting my feet off the floor at first. Try lifting your feet off the floor and crossing them over just at the ankles. It keeps you a bit more stable whilst you are "rowing" and helped me massively in keeping my feet up for most of it. Once you get used to this you will be able to manage without and have your legs up off the floor like Ryan.

Ooh good tip Sue, thank you! Almost makes me want to have another go now (seriously!), but.... maybe not. But I will certainly try that next time! Does that help with the pressure on the lower back as well? As that's what usually gets me when I try it.

Originally Posted by Cat Lover Sue

Quick tip for you guys. I was hopeless at getting my feet off the floor at first. Try lifting your feet off the floor and crossing them over just at the ankles. It keeps you a bit more stable whilst you are "rowing" and helped me massively in keeping my feet up for most of it. Once you get used to this you will be able to manage without and have your legs up off the floor like Ryan.

Ooh, I'll have to try that top tip next time Sue- sounds like a really good way to get through them!!

xx

It just makes you that bit more stable. Well it did me, anyway. And my core was made of jelly when I first started out! Its worth a try. x

Such a hectic week again this week, and I had to switch my day off work from Thursday to Friday. I had been hoping to get through week 2 resistance yesterday and then swing just a little bit tomorrow (maybe the non-frenetic parts of week 2 cardio) to be on schedule for core on Monday, but now I will just have to do resistance today and then leave it until core on Monday. Now all I need to do is get off my bum and do it! I haven't had quite as much energy the last 2 weeks while doing south beach diet phase 1, but am re-introducing low GI starchy carbs (I've been having plenty of non-starchy veg and beans/lentils though) and fruits starting tomorrow so hopefully will pick up a bit again!

Phew. Week 2 Resistance completed with my 7.5 lb bell for the first time.

Can't do the one leg bend forward and tap things (hurts my back) so I do waist twists and side bends instead. I had no enthusiasm at all for the two-handed swings in set 2 so passed the bell around my waist instead, and I didn't do the squat bit of the squat and press in either set (legs/bum already knackered by then!). Plus I did knee planks today, but with my toes on the floor, which seems to be halfway between knees and toes in difficulty.

(oh, and I smacked myself on the kneecap doing figure 8s - so glad my bell is tiny - ow!)

Looking forward to Core on Monday, will have another crack at week 3 maybe. Maybe!

Yowza. Week 2 resistance really kicked my butt (literally) again! Glad it's core today as everything else is still stiff and sore!

Week 3 core done, with my 7.5 lb bell. I actually enjoy the core workouts at the moment and have done the last 2 without needing to pause - miracle! I couldn't finish all the seated figure 8s (my legs protested mightily, they're still stiff from Saturday) and may have missed out a few hip-pump-and-crunch-es also... Managed the first plank and 3/4 of the second one on my toes though!

Still finding it so difficult to remember to actively keep my belly button pulled in during the exercises, usually the first few of set 1 are ok but after that it all goes out the window!

I think if I can do resistance on Thursday then this Saturday I'll try one of the free weights workouts from New Rules of Lifting for Women and maybe the kettleworx fast abs workout 1, depending on how I feel.

Go Plum get you I'm just off to follow you on Wk 3 Core and I know I won't be able to do the figure 8's with my legs off the floor but going to try your version i.e. cross legs see how i go!

Eek Trash hope its not too late! That was Sue's suggestion for the seated row. Think may cause difficulties with fig 8s! I just put the bell down and kept my legs going when it got too much - also used hands to steady myself at that point! Hope you got on ok!

Originally Posted by Plumfoodie

Eek Trash hope its not too late! That was Sue's suggestion for the seated row. Think may cause difficulties with fig 8s! I just put the bell down and kept my legs going when it got too much - also used hands to steady myself at that point! Hope you got on ok!

Ha ha it would of been impossible with legs crossed lol I realised my confusion as soon as i got to them and yes i done what you did put the bell down and kept the legs going after a while ......boy their hard I do wonder if there will soon come a day when we/I can complete them fully